(File photo/paNOW Staff)

By paNOW Staff

Prince Albert Police Service introduces new Firearm Amnesty Program

Oct 21, 2021 | 10:18 AM

The Prince Albert Police Service is now accepting illegal or unwanted firearms and ammunition as part of the Firearm Amnesty Program.

According to a media release, residents who want to voluntarily give up their firearms can do so but must complete and sign a waiver form agreeing to cease the weapon. Residents hoping to utilize the program may also be asked questions about the history of the firearm prior to pickup. Questions may be whether it was obtained by a family member or through an estate.

“The police service recognizes that many residents have a legal permit to own and use firearms for hunting and recreation, and they use and store their firearms responsibly,” said Inspector Tadd Kellett in the release. “This firearm amnesty program is intended to stop unwanted firearms from ending up in the wrong hands, where they could be used in a violent offence in our community.”

Last year, police seized 154 firearms which is an increase over 2019. Statistics at the Prince Albert Board of Police Commissioners show 108 firearms have been seized since September 2021 in Prince Albert. This has led to 81 criminal code charges. Some of the guns seized include rifles, airguns, shotguns and sawed-off firearms.

It’s important to know those who give up their firearms will not face criminal charges but the surrendered forearms will be checked by police to make sure they have not been involved in criminal activity, which could lead to the pursuit of charges.

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“Immunity from prosecution will not apply to those persons who, when detained or arrested, are found to be in possession of a weapon; nor will it apply if it is determined that a firearm or another weapon has been used for a criminal purpose, or obtained through a criminal act,” as stated in the release.

Police ask the public not to bring their firearms to the police station. Instead they should call ahead to arrange a pickup time by calling 306-953-4222.

More information on the Firearm Amnesty Program can be found on the Prince Albert Police Service website.

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panews@pattisonmedia.com

On Twitter: @princealbertnow